Combating Homelessness through Community-Building -Ruth Kinyua

      The notion of "homelessness" often invokes an image of a single individual, typically a man, who often constructs (or finds) a temporary shelter in an inhospitable environment. While this profile closely reflects nationwide statistics on the homeless population (70% of whom identify as single men), a recent report by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), reveals why solving homelessness presents a challenge for city officials. Most initiatives concerning homelessness primarily approach it as a "housing" issue, implying that once the homeless are sheltered, their concerns are resolved. The reality is that people who are homeless are part of a community, and prefer to maintain those social ties. With this information, future initiatives to combat homelessness must entail a community element, which also facilitates access to associated services, such as healthcare and job-placement opportunities. 

       Given that people within the homeless community consider themselves the societal "outsiders", initiatives that help build and strengthen community ties can simultaneously enhance a feeling of belonging for this marginalized population. The City of Portland approved one such measure featuring "Micro-Communities" in 2014, but owing to the City's development challenges, resolving homelessness will require a broader approach, one that considers other cities (outside of Portland) for the development of these micro-communities.  For now, with the data conveying the necessity of community and social ties for long-term health, it is time to shift our perspectives to accommodate the needs of the entire homeless community, and determine how to effectively manage our resources to resolve these concerns. 

Please Read on for the results of a 20-year study on homelessness.